Mary Rose: Clinton

2025 NC Main Street Champion

Watch The Recognition Video

When Clinton Main Street invited Mary Rose to reflect on her time as the program’s former director, she shared: “The most important part of my 31-year career with Clinton Main Street was the relationships. They made every project, event, and initiative meaningful.

During that time, I helped establish the Clinton Commercial National Register Historic District and the Historic Preservation Commission, while also serving 18 years on the North Carolina Downtown Development Association Board.

Through it all, I’ve built strong connections in Clinton and across the state, always guided by the National Main Street Four Point Approach: Organization, Economic Vitality, Design, and Promotion. From infrastructure projects to public art, small business advocacy to historic tax credits, each effort holds a special place in my heart.

My advice? Know your downtown and build relationships—because that’s how you win together.

Though I’ve retired from the City of Clinton, I continue to advocate for downtowns in the private sector—and that passion hasn’t changed.”

Clinton is proud to recognize Mary Rose as its 2025 North Carolina Main Street Champion.